"The Council has been placed in a very difficult
position. We rejected the original housing development off Little Green Street but
our decision was over ruled. An independent inspector was brought in and conditional
planning permission was granted.

"We acknowledge that the developers in
their plans have taken some measures to protect the street. But having considered
all the evidence we feel the cumulative impact of the construction vehicles on both
the residents and the properties in Little Green Street is still unacceptable."

The
Council now has to wait and see if the developers exercise their right to appeal again
against the Council. If they do both the Council and residents will again have the
opportunity be asked to submit evidence. The developer has to satisfy the Council
that it will protect the street before planning permission is granted.

Notes
to editors

Planning permission was granted to EUROINVESTMENTS UK LTD on appeal
in 2003 for the redevelopment of the former British Rail Staff Clubhouse in College
Lane. A planning application for the redevelopment of the site for 20 houses, 10 flats
and an underground car park was initially refused under delegated powers by the Council
in November 2002. This decision was appealed by the applicant and allowed on appeal.

A independent planning inspector visited Little Green Street and heard evidence
from to the Council and residents before deciding to grant permission for the development.
The independent inspector concluded that planning permission should be granted as
long as the developer demonstrated to the Council how they would protect the street,
the houses and minimise any unnecessary disruption to residents during the construction.

After a year of detailed discussions with the Council's planning and highways
teams a number of measures were proposed by the developers to protect the site including
the use of smaller vehicles, restricted working hours and the presence of a safety
marshal.